While performances at the Winter Olympics will likely dominate the headlines over the coming weeks, this Saturday 10th February will also herald the 22nd English Alpine Ski Championships in Bormio where a record entry of 440 of the country’s best Alpine ski racers will compete to claim the English Championship title and potentially make their mark as ‘one to watch’ for future world-wide success.
The English Alpine Championships act as a springboard for future British Alpine ski stars, with the likes of Olympian Dave ‘the rocket’ Ryding and talents Laurie Taylor and Cara Brown all competing in past Championships. The event provides the opportunity for athletes to gain professional ski racing experience and is an important feature in the development of future racing careers.
The traditional Alpine ski and spa town of Bormio will host over 1000 competitors, coaches, supporters, parents and volunteers over the week and is expected to be positively buzzing. After an opening parade through the streets of Bormio the racing will kick-off on Sunday across six age categories: Senior, Junior, U16, U14, U12 and U10. This year most of the Super G and Giant Slalom races will be staged on Stella Alpina and Stelvio runs in Bormio, while two races will be held on the Adler piste at neighbouring Oga. A team parallel slalom race will also take place in the evening. Competition is expected to be fierce with ski racers aiming for the podium in with a chance of winning an official English Champs Loghi cat suit among other prizes.
The English Alpine Ski Championships are supported by headline sponsor and premier ski equipment manufacturer Rossignol, alongside Racer Ready Magazine, The Ski Club of Great Britain and other key sponsors Vitalini Performance Skiwear, Ski Bitz racing equipment and Ski Barlett independent specialist ski shops.
Tim Fawke, Chief Executive of Snowsport England said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors, particularly Rossignol who make the English Alpine Ski Champs possible each year. We’ve seen a record number of entries this season and it will be a thrilling week of racing. It’s fantastic to think Dave Ryding will soon be competing at the winter Olympics and the English Alpine ski Championships formed part of his journey to the top. I have no doubt we will see more stars emerge this season and hope they will go on to inspire future generations.”
For more information about the English Alpine Ski Championships and to keep up to date with the progress of the athletes as they compete visit www.snowsportengland.org.uk
